When you walk into a remodeled bathroom, you expect it to be in perfect condition. Everything should work, and everything should look new and clean. And that is usually the case if the contractor did the work correctly — including the preparation.
Replacing bathroom fixtures like showers and tubs, however, can throw a few monkey wrenches into the process. These sometimes take the form of contractors’ mistakes during the replacement or the original installation. Good bathroom remodeling starts with cleaning up existing issues and ensuring that new ones don’t appear.
Poor Caulking
Poor caulking is a common issue. When the remodeling contractor removes the old shower, they need to look for signs of water damage or mold. Poor caulking in the old shower fixture can lead to water leaks and damage.
Merely covering up the damage only allows it to get worse over time. A good contractor will remedy the damage first and then make sure the new shower has proper caulking that won’t crack prematurely.
Misaligned Drains and Miscalculated Slopes
It’s possible to order shower stalls in prefabricated forms that allow contractors to install the entire thing without delay. These are definitely convenient. However, they’re not always a good fit.
The drain in a prefabricated shower, for example, might not be exactly where it would need to be given the pipes in the bathroom. This would require some realignment of the plumbing, which can lead to leaks if the installer doesn’t do it well.
Again, the remodeling contractor would have to identify and clean up damage and then consider whether a customizable shower fixture would be a better choice.
A similar problem occurs when a contractor miscalculates the slope of the shower they’re installing. That can lead to poor drainage and pooling. The remodeling contractor must ensure that the shower pan is angled correctly to allow for efficient drainage.
Subfloor Problems
Upon removing the original shower, the remodeling contractor will be able to see the subfloor in the bathroom. It’s essential that the contractor ensure the subfloor is even and that it provides adequate support to the shower pan or tub. Without that support, the floor of the shower could bend, placing pressure on the caulking and even cracking it.
If you were to step into that shower, you’d notice the floor sinking or bending a bit and creaking as you move around. Adequate support stops that movement and noise. It also helps save the caulking so that no leaks form.
If you’ve had issues with bathroom remodeling contractors before and need a replacement shower, call Charleston Bath Experts in Charleston, SC. We’re dedicated to doing the job right and providing you with a clean, new and beautiful shower.